Lyon County’s 150th anniversary bash was pushed to 2021 because of COVID-19, but all was not lost, as a plane with a massive anniversary banner in tow circled the skies over all Lyon County towns Saturday — a poignant reminder of the county’s rich history
It will have to be a belated birthday.
Lyon County is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, but that celebration has been significantly tempered by the COVID-19 pandemic. But while the pandemic has rained on the county’s parade, it hasn’t washed it out completely.
Take last Saturday for example, when a Cessna 182 took off from the airport in Marshall with a 25’ x 85’ banner in tow that read “Lyon County 150th Anniversary.” The plane soared over all Lyon County towns, including Tracy when it came in from the west and circled over town en route back to Marshall.
Lyon County Museum Director Jennifer Andries said the flyover with the banner was planned well before COVID was a thing in Minnesota.
“We had planned to do it the week of the fair,” she said. “2020 was supposed to be a big year, not only with the 150th, but with the opening of our second-floor exhibit gallery, because we had planned to have it open this year because of the 150th. So that got delayed — we’re still not done with the exhibit, plus we have a scaled-back celebration this year.”
Andries said it’s important to celebrate the 150th no later than 2021, because Marshall’s 150th celebration is coming up in 2022.
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